Tailgating Deserves Pepsi

📅 Saturday, October 31, 2026 🕐 11:30am – 3:30pm ET 📍 Johnson City Family / Kids

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On Saturday, October 31, James Beard Foundation-affiliated Chef Tobias Dorzon and Pepsi are bringing the ultimate pre-game experience to East Tennessee State University – because real fans know that Tailgating Deserves Pepsi.

Pepsi and Sodexo, the official campus dining partner of the James Beard Foundation and ETSU, are showing how Pepsi brings out the best in football’s favorite foods with a free food event on-campus, just before the Buccaneers welcome Tennessee Tech for their first face-off since joining the Southern Conference. With a special appearance and live food preparation, Chef Dorzon will bring his expertise as an award-winning restaurateur and former NFL player, offering students and fans a free event-exclusive dish inspired by some of his favorite gameday eats.

The Tailgating Deserves Pepsi event builds upon the idea behind Food Deserves Pepsi: a meal without Pepsi leaves taste on the table. Football fans and foodies can expect:

FREE event-exclusive dish from Chef Tobias Dorzon: Brisket on Cornbread, made with sweet and tangy barbecue glaze, quick-pickled onion and fresh scallion (smoked jackfruit vegetarian option also available)

Additional FREE tailgate-inspired bites paired with ice-cold Pepsi Zero Sugar for can’t-miss football favorites

Games, giveaways and more leading up to the Buccaneers’ kickoff

Event Details:

Location: East Tennessee State University’s Food City Fanzone at Lot 21

Located next to Warf-Pickel Hall (128 David Collins Way, Johnson City, TN 37614)

Date: Saturday, October 31

Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Original listing: visitjohnsoncitytn.com/event/tailgating-deserves-pepsi/

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